TNAG-1755-FCO40-2475-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 129

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3. Endorsement in Hong Kong BDTC passports?

We are discussing with the Home Office a suggestion made by the Executive Council in Hong Kong that Hong Kong BDTC passports should

include an endorsement similar to that in BN (0) passports, stating that no visa or entry certificate is required to visit the UK.

4. Implications for immigration to the UK

Kong.

There are estimated to be about 20,000 British citizens in Hong

They have the right of abode in the UK. BDTCS and BN (O)s do not have the right of abode in the UK and will not have it in 1997. Those Hong Kong residents who are subject to UK immigration control will normally qualify to come here only if they satisfy the requirements of the immigration rules.

5. Accept Hong Kong BDTCS/BN (O)s for resettlement in UK?

I believe it would be wrong to single out Hong Kong BDTCs for special treatment. Our aim in negotiating the Joint Declaration was to create a secure future for Hong Kong and an environment in which all Hong Kong people can continue to live and work with confidence. I believe that we have achieved this.

6. British citizenship for Hong Kong Chinese

We are aware of concern expressed by British businessmen in Hong Kong that it is difficult to retain skilled Hong Kong Chinese managers, and have noted their suggestions that British citizenship should be offered to key personnel as an inducement to stay in Hong

Kong.

The concern about the difficulty of retaining skilled professionals is a valid one. It is a concern which we and the Hong Kong Government share. But there are constraints placed on HMG by the requirements of the British Nationality Act 1981 in relation to the acquisition of British citizenship. British citizenship cannot be offered as a reward, honour or inducement, whether to managers or indeed to Hong Kong residents prepared to invest in the UK.

That

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